All-Encompassing Approach to Recycling at Bacardi in Florida

Bacardi Bottling Corporation in Jacksonville, Florida, is a constant whirl of activity. Here, the world’s favorite BACARDÍ rum goes through the final stages of blending before it is bottled and boxed for distribution across the United States.

A glimpse inside the facility reveals a highly efficient, carefully orchestrated production rhythm. The myriad of materials involved in the bottling of BACARDÍ rum are recycled. Sustainability is a daily focus for the close to 200 employees working on the bottling lines, on the grounds and in the offices.

The sole bottling plant for BACARDÍ rum branded products enjoyed in the United States recycles almost everything generated or used in the manufacturing process: glass, plastic, aluminum, paper, and even wastewater. “Every single thing we do is to divert waste from landfills,” explains Jacksonville-based Operations Development Manager Jennifer Eckberg. “It’s the right thing to do.”

As part of its “Good Spirited” sustainability program, Bacardi aims to eliminate landfill waste at all of its production sites globally by 2022.

The same commitment is clear at the 92 acre Bacardi Bottling Corporation site. “Last year alone, this campus recycled enough office paper to fill a bus. That’s three tons of paper that never made it to a landfill,” says Eckberg. “In addition, it is commonplace for Bacardi that a plastic bottle does not go in the trash – it goes into a specific recycle bin.”

Those bins are never far away – so for Bacardi employees, living and working sustainably are part of the daily corporate culture. “We are very responsible corporate citizens,” explains Eckberg. “That means doing our part for the environment. We are proud of the accomplishments that we’ve made and we’re looking forward to the future.”

Since 2006, when the Company began tracking its global impacts on the environment, Bacardi has reduced non-renewable energy use by 27.7%, supported by a 28.5% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions from production.

Building on current programs and efficiencies that reduce its environmental impacts, the Bacardi Limited global sustainability program sets specific goals in three areas to help the Company reach its vision of a net zero impact:

1. Responsible Sourcing: Bacardi strives to obtain all raw materials and packaging from sustainably sourced, renewable or recycled materials while maintaining or enhancing the economic status of growers and suppliers. By 2017, the goal is to obtain 40% of the sugarcane-derived products used to make BACARDÍ rum from certified, sustainable sources – and 100% by 2022. This pledge from Bacardi is an industry first.

2. Global Packaging: Bacardi commits to use eco-design to craft sustainability into its brand packaging and point-of-sale materials. By 2017, Bacardi plans to reduce the weight of its packaging by 10% and achieve 15% by 2022.

3. Operational Efficiencies: Bacardi continues to focus on reducing water use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with a 2017 goal to cut water use by 55% and GHG emissions by 50%. In addition, Bacardi aims to eliminate landfill waste at all of its production sites by 2022.